Police issue warning around the dangers of swimming in open waters

'Cold Water Kills' film reveals deadly dangers of swimming in reservoirs''Yorkshire Water and West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service

Published:12:09Thursday 28 June 2018

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Police are reminding young people of the dangers of swimming in lakes, reservoirs and rivers in light of the warm weather we’ve been having this week.

Officers are raising awareness of the dangers of swimming in open places, including lakes, rivers and reservoirs.

Open water at sites like disused, water-filled quarries can be extremely dangerous even for experienced swimmers.

The warning comes after a 17-year-old died after entering the river near the Cardigan Fields retail park in Leeds earlier this week.

Officers recovered the body of the teenager from the River Aire, close to Kirkstall Road, at about 1.30am on Wednesday.

Emergency services launched the search operation after the teenager was seen entering the water at about 6.45pm on Tuesday.

Police enquiries are ongoing.

Officers are urging people not to go in the water to cool down if the weather is hot as they could endanger their own lives and the lives of others.

Whilst it might seem tempting to some people, especially when the weather is so warm, its worth remembering that the hidden dangers are immense and can quickly lead to something altogether more serious.

Hidden, strong currents, sudden drops, steep sides and icy waters mean that even strong swimmers can get into trouble.

It isn’t worth the huge risk so please enjoy the sun safely and stay out of the water.